COIMBATORE: Their passion for forests and wildlife has made the State’s first seven women range officers, now being trained at the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy (TNFA) in the city, choose a profession which involves much hardship.
All of them are first-generation entrants to the uniformed services. Their 18-month training began last week at TNFA.
V Hemalatha, a Badaga from from Kothagiri, said equipment like drone cameras and electronic warning systems should be used to protect forests. “Though Forest staff conduct regular checks, they cannot cover every nook and corner. High-tech devices will make our work more effective,” she said.
Hemalatha’s husband, K C Ganesan, also underwent the same training at TNFA.
“I was attracted to the Forest service from my schooldays after I went for an excursion to the the Udhagamandalam forests,” said M Umadevi, another trainee. “I have passion for nature and worked hard to get the post,” she added.
S Maheswari had tried to enter the Indian Forest Service because of her interest in wildlife. “However, I did not succeed. But I was able to get this job through TNPSC. I will try to promote planting of medicinal plants and work for the welfare of the tribal people,” she said.
R Veermani, whose family encouraged her to take up the job, is very interested in protecting endangered species and creating awareness about the issue.
“I don’t feel that a range officer’s work will be any more difficult for us,” said A Nagoor Meera. “Women are now working in all fields. Also, there are women behind successful men. Then why can’t we do the work that men do? I will be able to manage the work pressures. I will put in my best in the job,” she added.
K R Dhixya Devi is happy that she will be among Tamil Nadu’s first women range officers. She plants to get tips from friends who are already working with the Kerala and Madhya Pradesh Forest Departments to work as well as anybody.
B Uma said they will work to improve forest cover and protect Nature and wildlife.
“We will set an example for other women and encourage them to take up work that only men do now,” she said.